Meyn Mamvro - No 067 - Autumn 2008

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 67, Autumn 2008, is a magazine dedicated to "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." The cover features a striking illustration and highlights key articles on topics ranging from specific locations like Godolphin and Carnmenellis Hills to broader themes of the "Sunset Fogous," "Ritual & Ceremony," and "Dowsing News." It also announces that all photos are now in full colour.

Editorial

The editorial section, on page 1, is not detailed in the provided text, but it sets the stage for the issue's content.

CEMG

This section, on page 2, likely refers to the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, a recurring presence in the magazine, with details of their activities and events.

Spring into Summer 2008 Events

This article, spanning pages 3 and 5, details several events from Spring and Summer 2008:

• Fenton Bebibell Well Clear-up and Doll Baptisms: Since 2006, a group has revived the tradition of clearing Fenton Bebibell Well on Nine Maidens Downs and baptising dolls in its waters, a custom dating back to the 1920s.
• Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern: The 20th anniversary of this event in St.Just was celebrated with around 30 participants, including some who attended the first dance 20 years prior. The event featured traditional dancing and fire-leaping, and was covered by The Cornishman newspaper.
• Three Wells Walk: The 20th anniversary of this walk, from Sancreed to Chapel Euny well and then to Madron well, took place on May 4th. Despite a misty start, the day became glorious, with participants enjoying the scenery and the mingling of waters and blessings.

Dowsing News

This section, primarily on pages 4 and 6, reports on various dowsing activities by different groups:

• West Cornwall Dowsers (March 2008): Visited Bartinney Hill, discovering the original route of a processional path and an energy line. They identified a tor enclosure, hut circles, and barrows, and dowsed a well and two other wells.
• Joint Dowsing Groups Meeting (April 2008): Representatives from West Cornwall Dowsers, Celtic Dowsers, and Tamar Valley Dowsers met near St.Columb Major to dowse the Nine Maidens stone row, suggesting it might be a double row with lunar alignment. They also explored barrows on nearby Downs and visited Pawton Quoit. Tamar Dowsers visited St.Denys Church.
• Celtic Dowsers (April 2008): Explored Castle-an-Dinas hillfort in West Penwith, finding significant energy and a strong line running through a small stone to the centre of the fort. They noted the site's Bronze Age origins, adapted in the Iron Age.
• Celtic Dowsers (May 2008): Visited Ed Prynn's 'megalithic wonderland' at St.Merryn, detecting energy and water lines, a spiral energy in the stone circle, healing properties in a holed stone, and a strong energy line at the 'Angel's Runway' dolmen. The fogou was noted for its cold atmosphere but tranquil feeling.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (June 1st): The third annual Dowsing down the Lizard visit, led by Bart O'Farrell, explored the Kynance Gate settlement, a site occupied in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Excavations revealed pottery, flints, and beads. The tor enclosure was identified as a focus of ritual activity. The group also visited a ruined barrow on Rill Head and bollards at Lizard village, which may have been part of a standing stone circle.

CASPN News Round-Up

This section, on page 8, covers news from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN):

• FOCAS "Pathways to the Past" Weekend: A successful weekend of walks and talks in West Penwith, featuring writers and archaeologists like Craig Weatherhill, Paul Bonnington, and David Giddings, and concluding with a talk by Steve Patterson.
• Nine Maidens Downs Grazing Controversy: CASPN was consulted about a proposal for cattle grazing on Nine Maidens Downs to control gorse and bracken. CASPN gave qualified support, but fears were raised about erosion. The proposal faced opposition from the "Save Penwith Moors" group, led by Ian Cooke, who accused CASPN of bias. CASPN refuted these claims, stating its objectivity and focus on site welfare.

Readers Write

This section, on page 9, features two letters:

• "What Cornwall Did For The Romans" by Sue Joiner, M.A.: Discusses evidence of Roman presence in Cornwall beyond Exeter, focusing on minerals (silver, lead, zinc) and potential Roman roads like the B3314. It mentions a Roman camp near St.Endellion and a settlement near Daymer Bay.
• "Egging the Illness to Go" by Annie Craze: Responds to an article about "Swan Pits" by referencing a passage from "The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries" about a Hungarian witch using eggs for healing spells, drawing a parallel to sympathetic magic and potential uses of eggs found in swan pits during the Civil War.

The Sunset Fogous

Written by Cheryl Straffon, this article on page 10 investigates the orientation of fogous (Cornish souterrains) in west Cornwall. It builds on Ian Cooke's theory that many fogous are oriented towards the midsummer solstice sunrise. Straffon confirms that two fogous, Pendeen and Lower Boscaswell, face the midsummer solstice sunset (NW). The article highlights Boscaswell fogou as particularly dramatic due to its open entrance framing the sunset over the sea. It suggests fogous may have had "viewing frames" similar to Newgrange, allowing views of the sun at key times of the year.

Other Content

• In-Site: Carn Euny settlement & fogou: Mentioned on page 2, this article likely provides a detailed look at this specific archaeological site.
• From Godolphin to Carnmenellis Hills: Also on page 2, this article by C.Straffon, A.Norfolk & B. O'Farrell explores these significant Cornish locations.
• Penwith Pagan Moot: Page 2 indicates a report on this gathering.
• Book Reviews: Page 2 lists book reviews as a feature.
• Remote & Ancient Places in W.Penwith: Page 2 notes that part 5 of this series has been held over.
• Ritual & Ceremony at Cornish fogous: Page 2 indicates an article on this topic.
• Meyn Mamvro Publications: Page 2 includes a catalogue of publications by Meyn Mamvro, including books on Pagan Cornwall, Megalithic Mysteries, and Earth Mysteries Guides, along with prices and ordering information. Folders for storing the magazines are also advertised.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on Cornwall's ancient landscape, megalithic sites, earth energies, and pagan traditions. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork, dowsing, and the interpretation of these sites through a lens of earth mysteries and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and preserving knowledge of Cornwall's ancient heritage, encouraging community participation in events, and fostering a deeper understanding of the spiritual and energetic qualities of the landscape. The magazine also engages with contemporary issues affecting these sites, as seen in the CASPN report on the Nine Maidens Common debate.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 67, published in Autumn 2008, focuses on ancient Cornish sites, particularly the 'fogous' and the sacred landscapes of Penwith and Kerrier. The magazine explores the astronomical alignments, ritualistic uses, and energetic connections of these historical locations.

Fogous and Solar Alignments

The articles delve into the 'fogous', underground structures often found with Courtyard House settlements. Ian's extensive work on the orientation of the main chambers is discussed, with a particular focus on the 'creep' passages. It is noted that while main passages may have been sealed, creep passages often point in significant directions. For instance, at Pendeen, a creep passage points NE, facing the midsummer sun, mirroring the orientation of nine inland fogous. Boscaswell's creep passage is noted for its alignment with the winter solstice sunset, suggesting that both main passages and creeps were oriented towards significant solar events.

Cheryl Straffon's article, "RITUAL & CEREMONY AT CORNISH FOGOUS," speculates on the ritualistic uses of these alignments. She suggests that fogous might have been used for ceremonies during the solstices, with people entering before sunset and observing the solstice sun set and rise. The Pendeen fogou, for example, is theorized to have been used for sympathetic magic to encourage the sun's return. Boscaswell is discussed in relation to midsummer and midwinter solstice sunsets, with potential rituals to coax the sun back. The article also introduces other fogous with significant orientations: Carn Euny, Boleigh, and Halligye.

Carn Euny is highlighted for its unique 'beehive hut' attachment, originally oriented towards the winter solstice sunrise. Later, the fogou was attached, and its entrance faced NE for the midsummer sun. Boleigh's fogou is oriented NE, with entry via a creep passage, possibly used for awaiting the summer solstice sunrise. Halligye, a complex site, also shows an orientation to the summer solstice sunrise and sunset, with its creep passage being significant for observing the sunset.

The construction phases of the Fogou & Beehive Hut at Carn Euny are detailed. Phase 1 (c. 5thC BCE) involved the beehive hut, aligned for the midwinter solstice sunrise. Phase 2 (c. 300-50BCE) saw the fogou attached, oriented NE/SW for midsummer sun and sunset observations. Phase 3 (c. 1stC CE) integrated the fogou and beehive hut into a courtyard house, with a direct entrance for ritual purposes.

Sacred Landscapes of Penwith & Kerrier

The feature article, "FROM GODOLPHIN TO CARNMENELLIS HILLS: Explorations of a sacred landscape in Penwith & Kerrier," by Cheryl Straffon, Andy Norfolk, and Bart O'Farrell, details research into a lesser-known area. This research, conducted through walks and dowsing by CEMG and West Cornwall Dowsers, explores numerous sites linked by visual connections, ley lines, or energy lines.

Key sites discussed include Godolphin Hill, noted for a Bronze Age enclosure, a lookout shelter aligned to the midsummer solstice sunrise, and a fallen menhir. An energy line runs from St. Michael's Mount through Godolphin Hill to Men Amber rock, a significant logan rock historically used for making vows. Other energy lines connect to Germoe Church and Pengersick Castle.

At the base of Godolphin Hill, a sunken well, a fallen longstone, and a hut circle were found. A strong energy line marks a processional way to Tregonning Hill, which itself has features like Castle Pencaire, an Iron Age fortification. These hills are described as sacred places linked by processional ways.

Men Amber rock is identified as a terminus point for energy lines, with another line heading NE towards Crowan Beacon and Hangman's Barrow. Crowan Beacon was a holy hilltop with a cairn and possible hilltop enclosure. The remains of a rare stone circle were also found nearby. Hangman's Barrow is a large, ruined cairn on a ridge with extensive views.

From Hangman's Barrow, an equinoxical sunrise alignment leads to the Nine Maidens stone circle. This circle originally may have had 8 stones, with a possible second, larger circle to its NW noted by Dr.Borlase. Dowsing in 2008 revealed a third circle, lying on the equinoxical sunrise line.

Courtyard House Settlements

The issue also provides context on Courtyard House settlements, which began in West Cornwall around 500 BCE and continued until the 4th-5th centuries CE. These settlements were typically small, well-built circular enclosures with a single entrance, housing a dwelling and outbuildings. Carn Euny is noted as a site where both settlement and fogou remain well-preserved. The inhabitants were agriculturalists, and the area was rich in alluvial metallic ores like tin. The settlements were abandoned peacefully.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of archaeology, landscape, and ancient beliefs, with a strong emphasis on astronomical alignments and energetic connections. The editorial stance appears to be one of in-depth research and speculative interpretation of ancient sites, drawing on historical records, archaeological evidence, and modern techniques like dowsing. The focus on solar events, ritual, and the spiritual significance of the landscape suggests a deep interest in the pre-Christian and prehistoric heritage of Cornwall.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 67
Date: Autumn 2008
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0966-5897
Price: £8.00 (annual subscription)

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich tapestry of Cornish ancient sites, pagan practices, and archaeological research, offering a blend of landscape analysis, ritual descriptions, and book and DVD reviews.

Carnmenellis Hill and the Nine Maidens

The lead article explores Carnmenellis Hill, noting its challenging climb but rewarding panoramic views of the Cornish landscape, including Carn Brea, Carn Marth, Stithians Reservoir, Crowan Beacon, the Nine Maidens stone circle, and Hangman's Barrow. The barrow on Carnmenellis Hill, though ruined, offers a clear view of the alignment to the Nine Maidens and Hangman's Barrow. While not perfectly aligned, the article suggests that if the position of a now-destroyed second circle were considered, the alignment would be perfect. The implications for equinox sunrises are discussed, proposing that the rising sun would be first seen from Carnmenellis Hill, a little south of east, aligning with the barrow. An alternative scenario suggests a ceremonial pathway from Hangman's Barrow to the Nine Maidens for viewing the sunrise, or a sunset ritual on Carnmenellis Hill. The author posits a powerful magical and spiritual experience where holy hilltops, barrows, and circles were linked to worship and connection with ancestral spirits. The article highlights that these sites, along with those at Godolphin, are little known but reveal a fascinating interconnection through energy lines, visible alignments, and ceremonial significance.

Penwith Pagan Moot

This section details two recent events organized by the Penwith Pagan Moot. The first was a windswept Beltane ritual at Boscawen-un stone circle, with Paula Cox as Lady and Adrian Smith as Lord. The ritual involved casting the circle, calling quarters, welcoming the Lord and Lady, lighting the Beltane fire, a meditation, and libation. The second event was a Summer Solstice ritual at St Helens Oratory, Cape Cornwall, featuring Claire and Nick as Goddess and God. Despite overcast weather, the event included face painting, a banishing spell, circle casting, invocation of Goddess and God, and a ritual involving a wicker man into which participants placed written sacrifices before it was burned. Libations and individual contributions followed, concluding with the un-casting of the circle.

The Penwith Pagan Moot is described as holding regular ritual celebrations, moot meetings, and outings for ancient sacred site clearances, welcoming everyone. Their website and contact details are provided.

Book Reviews

Ancient Stones of Kernow - The Far West by Martyn & Amanda Jackson

This review expresses disappointment with the book, deeming it overpriced at £14.99. The reviewer criticizes the writing style, the lack of photographs (relying solely on line drawings), and the overall presentation resembling an old-fashioned school textbook. While acknowledging it covers Cornish prehistory and history reasonably well, the reviewer notes that much of the content is speculative, presented as fact without sufficient evidence. Examples include the interpretation of Quoits as 'ancestral lodges' and the speculation about a 'Sky God'. The review also points out factual errors, such as the superfluous 'e' in 'Padstow's Obby Oss' and the omission of Lyonesse. The reviewer finds the author's style 'androcentric' and notes the book's failure to acknowledge the work of other researchers in Cornish prehistory, including Ian Cooke, Craig Weatherhill, Meyn Mamvro, and the Cornwall Archaeological Society. The absence of a bibliography is also highlighted. The book is considered to add little to the field of Cornish prehistory and is recommended only for absolute beginners and tourists.

Cornish Archaeology 43-44 (2004-5)

This review focuses on a major article within this volume: a 141-page report by Andy M. Jones on "Settlement and ceremony: archaeological investigations at Stannon Down." The report details archaeological investigations at the China Clay works between 1998-2000, uncovering an early Bronze Age cairn group and a Middle Bronze & Middle Iron Age settlement. The review highlights the interesting material on ceremonial and ritual significance, despite the technical nature of the report. Andy Jones's work describes the clearing of a heavily-wooded area in the Neolithic and Bronze Age, with reconstructed aerial views illustrating the ceremonial complex, stone circle, settlement, and Rough Tor enclosure. The article suggests that natural features like Rough Tor were focal points for ceremonial activity and landscape movement, with paths created to connect these sites. The cairn complex is described as a place for visiting the dead and for rituals and feasting. The review notes the discovery of a 5-star faience bead amulet, believed to be a magical object for protection on the journey to the Otherworld, and a cup-marked pebble and triangular quartz block, possibly thought to possess their own spirit. The article is considered a significant insight into the archaeology of landscape and ceremony on Bodmin Moor.

Archaeological Investigations of a Later Prehistoric and a Romano-British Landscape at Tremough, Penryn, Cornwall by James Gossip & Andy M. Jones

This review discusses the archaeological report on a dig at the Combined Universities of Cornwall campus at Tremough. It notes the wealth of technical information on investigations and finds, particularly pottery sherds, and the eco-environmental background. The interpretation chapter is highlighted as the most interesting for lay readers. The dig revealed timbered post ring structures from the Bronze Age, possibly constructed sequentially and aligned on a SE-NW axis, which the authors suggest could have been for observing the midwinter solstice sunrise. Corroboratory evidence from Cornish barrows with similar orientation is mentioned. The structures may also have been aligned towards the Fal estuary and coast. The identification of these timber circles is growing, but their use remains speculative.

The Prehistoric Landscape of Scilly by Gary Robinson

This review praises the book as a welcome addition to the scarce archaeological publications on the Isles of Scilly. Based on Robinson's PhD, it offers a thorough appraisal of the archaeology of the area. The book re-assesses the period when the islands became a 'drowned landscape' and constructs a chronological framework for Scillonian prehistory, examining settlement and monuments. The review highlights interesting material on the distribution and landscape setting of monuments, their orientation, and the incorporation of natural features. It also mentions useful appendices, including radiocarbon and magnetic dates, lists of entrance graves, cairns, and standing stones, and their relationship to nearby tors. The book is noted for applying new archaeological ideas to this island archipelago.

DVD Review

Standing with Stones: A Journey through Megalithic Britain

This review describes the DVD as a film featuring over 100 ancient sites across Britain, with commentary by Rupert Soskin. It is divided into seven geographical sections, starting with Cornwall and the West Country. The reviewer finds the content interesting, though not entirely agreeing with all the ideas presented. The DVD includes special features and 12 colour postcards, two of which are from Cornwall. The reviewer suggests it would make a good gift for 'megalithomaniacs'.

Book Review

The Cornish Witch Finder: William Henry Paynter by Jason Semmens

This review introduces William Henry Paynter as a folklorist, antiquarian, and bard of the Cornish Gorsedd, who specialized in collecting witch stories, ghost tales, charms, and folklore in the 1920s and 1930s. The book is presented as a biography and a collection of his articles and contributions from newspapers and magazines. While it is considered a useful compilation of Cornish lore, the reviewer notes that much of the content is not new and has already been recorded by Hunt, Bottrell, and Courtney. Nevertheless, it is seen as showing the final remnants of belief in magic and witchcraft before they virtually disappeared.

Astrological and Numerological Services

This section advertises services offered by Liz Allmark, including Astrology (Birthchart Printout, Interpretation, Interpretation and Predictions) and Numerology (Character Profile, Character Profile plus Predictions). Contact details and payment instructions are provided.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists various magazines available for subscription, categorized under 'Earth Mysteries' and 'Paganism'. Details include magazine titles, publishers, addresses, website addresses, annual subscription prices, and prices for sample copies.

Noticeboard

The 'Noticeboard' section provides a comprehensive listing of upcoming events, moots, and festivals in Cornwall and surrounding areas. This includes:

• Society of Ley Hunters: Moot in W. Cornwall with site visits and evening talks.
• West Cornwall Dowsers: Site visits and talks in various locations.
• Celtic Dowsers: Event at Helman Tor and local sites.
• Tamar Dowsing Group: Visit to St.George's Island and a talk on 'Songlines of Cornwall'.
• Ancient Sites Clear-ups: Events at Nine Maidens Barrows, Bosullow Trehyllis, Bodrifty Settlement, and Ballowall Barrow.
• Cornwall's 18th New Age Festival: A multi-day event in Newquay with talks, workshops, and concerts.
• Winter Solstice/Yule: Events in Penzance, including a procession and hilltop fire, and a gathering at Chûn Quoit with storytelling.
• Pagan Moots: Regular meetings in Penzance, Redruth, Truro, Falmouth, and Bodmin, with details on dates and contact persons.

Contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs, is provided for most listings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the exploration of ancient sites and landscapes in Cornwall, with a particular focus on their alignment, ritualistic significance, and connection to ancestral beliefs and natural cycles (equinoxes, solstices). Pagan practices and rituals are prominently featured, with descriptions of Beltane and Summer Solstice ceremonies. The magazine also serves as a platform for reviewing recent archaeological publications and books related to Cornish history and folklore, offering critical perspectives. The 'Noticeboard' section underscores the magazine's role in promoting and informing readers about the vibrant community of earth mystery enthusiasts, pagans, and archaeologists in Cornwall, encouraging participation in events and fostering a sense of connection to the region's heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest and engagement with these subjects, providing accessible information and critical analysis.